Description of the thesis topic

Proteins ensure the essential functions of living organisms, from oxygen transport to photosynthesis. Their complex nano-structure dictates this function. Modifications to this structure can have devastating consequences, as in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Hence the need for techniques to probe the nano-structure of proteins. However, existing techniques have their limitations when used in realistic environments and conditions.
Vibrational spectroscopy in the TeraHertz (THz) range is emerging as a promising alternative. Just as musical instruments produce sounds whose frequency depends on their size, the frequency of vibrations depends on the size of the object supporting them, and the THz range corresponds precisely to nanometric sizes.
As part of his or her PhD, the candidate will be involved in the design and implementation of electromagnetic concentrators in the TeraHertz range to study biological samples, from amino acids to protein microcrystals, a form used in their structural studies.
More specifically, THz spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique for probing matter. This makes it a valuable tool for identifying materials, particularly in biological samples. However, the study of biological samples in their natural state is limited by their small size. Most biological objects, including proteins, DNA strands, viral capsids, cells or bacteria, are much smaller than THz wavelengths. This size discrepancy makes it impossible to use propagative techniques to analyze a single object. To meet this challenge, concentrators can be used to enhance light-matter interactions. These devices have been developed in our team for several years. However, they still suffer from problems of light injection and extraction on the one hand, and we wish to integrate them into cryogenic and microfluidic environments on the other.
Mission :Our initial results have motivated us to further optimize the device using both numerical methods, such as FDTD, and experimental measurements, such as spectroscopy and far-field radiation measurements. We will focus on understanding the coupling between incoming light and the resonator mode. The aim is to enhance the interaction of light and matter in the devices, and to enable the inclusion or growth of samples within them. Finally, you will operate the device in broadband THz spectroscopy with various macromolecular samples under different conditions. Finally, you will model the experiments.

Work Context

The Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon (INL) aims to develop multidisciplinary technological research in the field of micro and nanotechnologies and their applications. The research carried out ranges from materials to systems. The laboratory is supported by Lyon's NanoLyon technology platform.
The areas of application cover major economic sectors: the semiconductor industry, information technologies, life and health technologies, energy and the environment.
The laboratory is multi-site, with locations on the Ecully and Lyon-Tech La Doua campuses. It employs around 200 people, including 121 permanent staff. The INL is a major player in the Research and Teaching Cluster.
This position is located in an innovative environment, at the cutting edge of future technologies, in strategic application sectors.
Our team of experienced researchers at the Lyon Institute of Technology in Lyon, France, offers a dynamic environment for conducting cutting-edge research in photonics. As a member of the I-Lum team, you will have access to fully equipped experimental facilities (state-of-the-art THz time-domain spectrometer, state-of-the-art camera). You'll work with our team to design and carry out innovative THz biophotonics experiments as part of an ambitious European ERC project.
The position is located in an area covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, according to the regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.